State suspends license of suburban psychiatrist because of alleged relationship with patient

February 01, 2013|By Alexandra Chachkevitch | Tribune reporter

Illustration of Lady Justice (Tribune illustration)

The license of a psychiatrist practicing in Glenview and Skokie has been suspended for at least three years because of an alleged sexual relationship with a 19-year-old female patient more than 10 years ago, according to state officials.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation states that it revoked William Joel Kafin’s medical license in December, according to the department’s monthly report published Wednesday.

As part of the punishment, the department also fined Kafin $5,000.

Kafin’s lawyer, Michael K. Goldberg, said his client is appealing the decision, which was signed on Dec. 6 but made public this week with the monthly report. Kafin declined comment through his lawyer.

Kafin, who was then 58, allegedly had a personal and sexual relationship with the woman he was treating in 2002. He also allegedly provided alcohol and marijuana to her, according to court documents.

Kafin, who has been a licensed psychiatrist since 1980, is accused of gross negligence in practice; immoral conduct; and dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public, documents state.

The department’s December decision came after the Illinois Appellate Court ordered the department in May 2012 to reconsider its previous punishment, ruling that it is “overly severe,” according to court documents.

Kafin's license was suspended previously by the department from July 2011 until May 2012, according to court documents.

“We are appealing the decision again because it’s too harsh,” said Goldberg, of the Goldberg Law Group, adding that Kafin denies the allegations.

The woman filed a lawsuit initially with the Cook County Circuit Court in 2004, alleging that Kafin “caused emotional distress” to her.